Photo: Five top prospects for the 2016 NHL Draft were the guests of the NHL during the Stanley Cup Final, with forwards (L-R) Pierre-Luc Dubois, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Patrik Laine, and Alexander Nylander taking Game Four in San Jose (courtesy of Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

While the 2016 NHL Draft lacks some of the drama that was provided leading up to last year’s draft, when Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel vied for the right to go first overall, there is nevertheless some very good talent to be had at the top of this year’s event. And even beyond the top 5, NHL clubs drafting in the first round should be able to land some good talent that will almost certainly suit up for NHL action in the not too distant future. Read more»

Photo: Edmonton Oilers rookie forward is one of three finalists for the 2015-16 Calder Trophy, which is presented to the NHL’s top rookie (courtesy of Chris LaFrance/Icon Sportswire)

The final Prospect Impressions of the year is finally here, and the top five plays of the 2015-16 season have arrived.

The Nylander name is a strong one, with a storied past that includes an NHL veteran, an NHL rookie, and a player sure to hear his name called early in the 2016 NHL Draft. But a most familiar name has provided the top individual effort in the now completed 2015-16 campaign. Read more»

Photo: London Knights forward and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner (L) produced 16 goals and 44 points in 18 postseason games in the Knights’ run to a Memorial Cup championship (courtesy of Rob Wallator/CHL Images)

The Ontario Hockey League was stocked with talent up front this season and it culminated in a season for the ages for one London Knight. But while Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospect Mitchell Marner may have been the top winger this year, he was not the only show in the league.

The OHL was blessed with a depth of elite-quality, NHL-drafted talent on its wings this season, with the best of that group being ranked below. Read more»

Photo: Minnesota Wild forward prospect Kirill Kaprizov (R) competed for Team Russia at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, where Russia won silver after falling in overtime to Finland in the gold medal game (courtesy of MARKKU ULANDER/AFP/Getty Images)

The KHL continues to produce good players at a good pace, but nowadays there are more players moving to North America than before, therefore leaving the KHL with a slightly inferior number of drafted prospects than before. Read more»

Photo: Seattle Thunderbirds forward and New York Islanders prospect Mathew Barzal had his best offensive season in his WHL career in 2015-16, posting 27 goals and 88 points in 58 games (courtesy of Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)

There are many different kinds of centers; those who primarily excel offensively and those who contribute in other ways to the success of their respective teams. One of the biggest challenges across major junior hockey is taking into consideration the versatility of many top forwards. It is not uncommon for the best players down the middle to take a few turns on the wing on a regular basis. Read more»